RONALD KENTON

1949 - 2024

RONALD GENE KENTON Ronald Gene Kenton, 75, of Basehor, Kan., passed away peacefully at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington, Ill., after a fall. Ron was born January 20, 1949, in Kansas City, Kan., to Wesley Orville and Gladys Mae Scott Kenton. Ron attended Basehor Schools and graduated in 1967. In high school Ron played in the band, basketball and was on the yearbook staff. He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was active in his church and sheared sheep with Pastor Harold Tuttle. He also loved to fish and hunt with his dog, Kate. Ron entered Kansas State University in the summer after high school and graduated in 1973 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He had lived above the pig barns and in Smith Scholarship House where he made pies. He was a member of Delta Chi Fraternity. Prior to his graduation from KSU he did his internship with Dr. Bob Torrence in Topeka, Kan. He lived with their family where he developed a love for field trials with his dogs, often on horseback. From 1973 - 2004 Ron took care of many clients and their precious pets at the Dog and Cat Clinic in Leavenworth owned by Dr. John Hoins. Among the veterinarians who came to practice at the clinic, he worked and became family friends with Dr. Chuck Meyer and Dr. Jay Jesske. Dr. Marcie Louk was also a longtime colleague. In 1974 he met and married 1st LT Kathy Stephens. They were married privately in their pastor's home May 2, 1974, and then again September 21, 1974, in a traditional ceremony in Kathy's hometown of Norfolk, Va. Ron continued his love of scouting after his son Adam was old enough to join Troop 176 at First Christian Church. He was assistant scoutmaster and fulfilled a dream of going to Philmont Scout Ranch when Adam was 14. This was the first of many trips to Philmont with troop 176. Ron was presented the Kaw District Award of Merit by scoutmaster Ken Bower. He was also part of the camp master team at Camp Nash. Ron was active and the second in membership seniority in the Leavenworth Lions Club. He became scoutmaster of a troop of boys with special needs sponsored by the Lions Club. Working on their badges, even as young men, some achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Lions club awarded Ron the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Over the years Ron worshiped at Basehor Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church in Leavenworth. He also attended Palm Creek Chapel in Arizona. Ron was a true family man and a good friend to all he knew. He supported his children in all their activities scouting, camping, Virginia vacations, RV traveling, biking (across Kansas and MS150), golfing at Leavenworth Country Club, swimming events, snowboarding and skiing at Snow Creek where he also taught lessons. After his retirement he and Kathy moved to Falcon Lakes, Basehor where they played golf and he worked at the golf course. In 2011, they began spending winters in Palm Creek Resort, Casa Grande, Ariz., enjoying the beautiful weather, making dear friends and traveling companions. Early on he was introduced to pickleball, started competing and won some club medals. He loved Palm Creek and brought his love for pickleball back to Kansas. Ron and Kathy took some wonderful trips both in the U.S. and internationally with the Kansas State Traveling Wild Cats. His favorite trip was to Africa. He was preceded in death by his twin baby daughters. He is survived by his wife Kathy of 50 years, his dog Gracie, daughter Brett (Kurt), son Adam (Mish), grandchildren Mckade Kenton (18), Tiernan Elizabeth (16), Langley Mae (14), and Macklin Ronald (3); his brothers Gary (Ruth) and Randy (Vickie), brother-in-law Scott (Bev), Uncle Darrell Zimmerman, many cousins, niece, nephews and many close friends all over the country. His grandchildren opened up a whole new world for him to love. He saw the older ones in Illinois often, every Christmas and they came to Arizona every spring break, even during Covid. He loved playing pickleball with them and flying RC planes. Macklin Ronald brought a new spark to "GNewt's" life at 72. They enjoyed their weekly visits to play cars and swim after moving to Arizona. Family suggests memorial be made to Leavenworth County Humane Society, 100 W. Gilman Road, Lansing, KS 66043, Valley Humane Society, 15699 W. Aniceto Road, Casa Grande, Ariz., or First Presbyterian Church, 407 Walnut Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048. A celebration of life for all friends and family will be held on Saturday, September 14, 3 - 6 p.m. at JW Crancers, 530 Delware Street, Levenworth. Burial will be private for family at Ft. Levenworth National Cemetery. www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com.